How to Stucco a Sheetrock Wall

If you want a Sheetrock wall to look more interesting and visually appealing, consider applying stucco to it. Stucco is a versatile, durable, decorative surface finish that can easily be added to almost any type of wall. Sheetrock walls often look too simple and thin. Applying a few layers of stucco in different textures, colors and styles can significantly improve the look and feel of your home.

Things You'll Need

Thick plastic cover sheets

Masking tape

White cloth

Mild soap

Plastic or metal netting

Tin snips

Hammer

Galvanized nails

Trowel

Plaster rake

Stiff brush

Spray bottle

Water

Move all the furniture away from the Sheetrock wall, and cover it with a thick, plastic cover. Protect the floor with a plastic cover, and secure the plastic with masking tape.

Clean the Sheetrock wall with a mild soap solution and a white cloth. Make sure you remove all the dirt and dust, or the stucco will not adhere properly to the Sheetrock surface. Let the wall surface dry completely.

Prepare the wall surface by nailing a fine net to the wall as a base. This will help secure the stucco in its place. You can use a plastic or a metal net that usually come in sheets or rolls. Cut the net to match the size of your wall, using tin snips.

Make the stucco mass by following the instructions in the mixture set. Use a stucco paddle or a trowel to blend the mixture thoroughly.

Apply stucco to the wall, using a paint roller and working on one small section at a time. You also can apply stucco with a trowel. Make the layer about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch thick. If you want a more elaborate texture, make the layer half an inch thick.

Create different effects in the wet stucco mass with a stiff brush or a plaster rake. Do this right after you finish each section, before the stucco hardens and dries. You can use plastering tools, such as a plaster rake or a stiff brush, to achieve scratching, swirling or scuffing effects in the stucco texture. Wait a few minutes for the section to dry before proceeding to another section.

Let the stucco harden for two or three days before painting it. During this interval, periodically spray water mist on the wall. This will help strengthen the stucco surface.

Tips & Warnings

You also can use spray paint on the stucco to create special looks.

Be careful when you create effects on the stucco. You cannot undo an effect once the wall hardens.